Forest Preserve Programs Highlight Joliet History, Braidwood Dunes, Backpacking

Here are the Forest Preserve District of Will County programs for the week of July 22. Online registration is available on the Event Calendar at ReconnectWithNature.org.

Joliet Iron Works Tour – two 90-minute sessions at 2 and 5 p.m., Thursday, July 25, Joliet Iron Works Historic Site, Joliet: Explore the stone foundations of Joliet’s once-thriving industrial plant that are more than 100 years old. An interpretive naturalist will share the fascinating stories of the men and machines who worked at the site, which once rivaled Pittsburgh’s steel power. Free, ages 16 or older. Register by July 23.

Firefly Hike for Families, from 7:30-9 p.m., Thursday, July 25, Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve, Crete Township: As the sun sets, learn what makes fireflies so special, as it’s more than just their glow. Create some glow of your own before heading out on the hike. Free, all ages. Register by July 23.

Wild Child on the Road, from 10-11 a.m., Friday, July 26, Kankakee Sands Preserve, Custer Township: Get your toddler outside with this monthly nature-themed program. Join a naturalist for hands-on activities, such as games, stories, crafts, hikes, and more. Free, ages three/five. Register by July 24.

Lake Renwick Migratory Bird Viewing, from 8 a.m.-noon, Saturday, July 27, Lake Renwick Heron Rookery Nature Preserve, Plainfield: View nesting herons, egrets, and cormorants, while the rookery is closed for nesting season. Volunteers and staff are at the viewing platform and visitor center to answer questions. Free, ages seven or older.

Wonders of Will County – Braidwood Dunes and Savanna, from 9-10:30 a.m., Saturday, July 27, Braidwood Dunes and Savanna Nature Preserve, Reed Township: Discover the plants, animals, and land formations that make up some of the Forest Preserve District’s most protected sites. Lizards and cacti are just a taste of what sets this preserve apart. Free, ages 10 or older. Register by July 25.

Museum Campus Day, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturday, July 27, Isle a la Cache Museum, Romeoville: Drop in for self-guided exploration of the campus. Visit the 18th-Century-era Traders Cabin or peek inside the Native American longhouse. Learn about the French fur traders and Potawatomi who once called this area home. Free, all ages.

Backpacking 101, Part 1 – Introduction to Backpacking, from 1-2:30 p.m., Saturday, July 27, Four Rivers Environmental Education Center, Channahon: Join a naturalist in this three-part series to learn the basics of backpacking, including how to select a sleeping bag, what food to pack, and how to choose a location. Free, ages 12 or older. Register by July 26. Two more backpacking sessions will be offered: Backpacking 101, Part 2 – Training Hike on September 7 and Backpacking 101, Part 3 – Overnight on September 14.

Light Up the Night Moth Hike, from 8-10 p.m., Saturday, July 27, Hickory Creek Preserve – Hickory Creek Junction, Frankfort Township: Celebrate National Moth Week with a glowing night hike. Join a naturalist to discover what makes moths special. Free, ages eight or older. Register by July 25.